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Bellerive pitch in good shape

December 17, 2003 16:59 IST

The Tasmanian Cricket Association has dispelled doubts about the unpredictable nature of the Bellerive pitch for the three-day match between the Indians and Australia 'A' starting on Friday, saying the wicket was in "good shape".

An inter-state game was abandoned last season because the wicket was deemed unsafe but the association's Chief Executive Officer David Johnstone said it is a different story this season.

"The pitches we've had here this year so far have been excellent," he said.

"We have no fear of having any problems whatsoever and looking at it the other day, it looked excellent. It's in good shape," he said.

Western Australian batsman Michael Hussey will captain the Australian 'A' side, which includes players from each state and three debutants - Paul Rofe and Shaun Tait (South Australia) and Cameron White (Victoria).

India, who are on a high after notching up a historic four-wicket win in the second Test at Adelaide on Tuesday, are expected to rest most of their star players for the match.

Australian 'A' team:

Michael Hussey (c), Michael Clarke, Chris Rogers, Martin Love, Brad Hodge, Cameron White, Wade Seccombe, Matthew Nicholson, Damien Wright, Paul Rofe, Shaun Tait.

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